Published: February 17, 2026
MONROVIA — The Liberian government has ordered the immediate halt of all activities linked to a group calling itself the National Fula Security of Liberia (NFSL) after videos showing dozens of men drilling in formation triggered nationwide anxiety and a heated debate over whether the group represents community safety organization or an unauthorized parallel security structure.
In a formal directive issued by the Ministry of Justice, authorities declared that the organization lacks legal authorization to exist, warning that any continued recruitment, mobilization, or operational activity will result in criminal prosecution.
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The order came after days of mounting public concern, fueled by widely circulated social media clips showing individuals lined up and moving in coordinated formation, which appeared to be a training exercise. Some participants were seen wearing clothing resembling security-style uniforms, though officials have not confirmed whether the attire is official or imitation.
“The Government has granted no authorization, permit, registration, license, or operational approval for the creation, operation, recruitment, or deployment of any entity under the name National Fula Security of Liberia or any similar formation,” the Justice Ministry said.
Authorities emphasized that, under Liberian law, any security body, including auxiliary forces or organized enforcement groups, must undergo formal vetting, a security review, an institutional assessment, and regulatory approval through the Ministry’s Division of PublicSafety. Officials confirmed none of those procedures were initiated by the group.
The ministry, therefore, ordered the immediate cessation of all activities and instructed security agencies to begin investigations.
From Social Media Clips to National Security Issue
Public attention first spiked when short video clips circulated online showing men assembled in formation in an open field-like setting. The images quickly sparked speculation and political commentary, with some observers alleging the activity resembled paramilitary drills.
The group’s leadership, organizers, operational location and legal status remain unclear.
While community watch programs exist across Liberia, critics argued that branding a security organization around a single ethnic identity crosses a sensitive line in a country where identity politics historically intersected with conflict.
Critics warned that even an unarmed structure could weaken centralized authority and deepen mistrust, while others cautioned against inflaming tensions through unverified assumptions.
Security analysts noted that loosely structured groups can evolve unpredictably if left unregulated, but also warned against comparisons that stigmatize communities without evidence.
Government: Parallel Security Structures Not Allowed
The Justice Ministry stressed that Liberia’s constitution assigns national security and law enforcement exclusively to state institutions and prohibits private groups from assuming such roles.
“The Government of Liberia will not recognize, legitimize, or tolerate the formation of unauthorized security structures, particularly those organized along ethnic, tribal, communal, or sectarian lines,” the statement said.
Officials warned that no individual or group, regardless of identity or purpose, may establish recruitment or enforcement structures outside the legal framework.
Citizens were urged not to join or cooperate with the group and to report suspicious activity to authorities.
Fulani Community Rejects Militia Claims
An online platform identifying itself as Fulani Forum disputed allegations that the NFSL represents a militia or extremist formation, describing it instead as a community safety initiative.
The forum argued that comparing the group to extremist organizations was inflammatory and risked ethnic profiling.
“While we appreciate concern for the rule of law, comparing a community-based organization to Boko Haram is inaccurate and dangerous,” the platform said.
The group emphasized the Fulani community’s long-standing presence in Liberia, citing contributions in commerce and peaceful coexistence. It added that neighborhood watch initiatives exist across the country and should be treated as regulatory matters rather than security threats.
At the same time, the forum said it supports government oversight.
“We agree national security should be centralized and welcome legitimate oversight to ensure alignment with national standards,” the statement said.
Critics: Ethnic Branding Raises Risk
Despite that response, criticism intensified. Several Liberians argued the problem is not community policing but identity-based security organization.
Some citizens warned that even well-intended initiatives can be infiltrated or misused without strict regulation.
Others noted that private security companies in Liberia traditionally recruit across communities and operate under police supervision, not ethnic branding.
“The issue is not ethnicity; it’s structure,” one commentator said, stressing that any organized enforcement activity must remain subordinate to state authority.
Former Senate Security Chair Calls It Serious Concern
Former Senate Committee on National Defense and Security Chairman Steven J. Z. Zargo described the development as a national security concern requiring urgent review.
“No security entity should be established solely on a tribal line just as no political party should be established solely on tribal line,” he said.
Zargo also questioned uniforms seen in the footage, saying some appeared similar to those worn by state security units — a matter he described as problematic from a professional security standpoint.
He explained that even private security companies must obtain approval covering their name, uniforms, structure and operational mandate before operating.
“Private security must complement national security — not challenge it,” he said. “We must determine whether they are helping or harming.”
He further warned the issue intersects with Liberia’s unresolved debate over ethnic identity recognition, meaning the symbolism alone could trigger broader sensitivities.
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